Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
November 20, 2018
In separate ceremonies on November 20, 2018, Bryceville resident Thomas Ford and Amelia Island resident Aaron Bell were sworn into office as Nassau County Commissioners in the Historic Nassau County Courthouse on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, FL. Circuit Court Judge Robert Foster administered the oath to Ford, who now represents District 4, replacing Commissioner George Spicer. Nassau County Court Judge Wesley Poole administered the oath to Bell, who now represents District 2, replacing Commissioner Steve Kelley.
Many family members, elected officials and well-wishers attended the ceremonies, including incumbent County Commissioners Danny Leeper (District 1), Board Chair Pat Edwards (District 3) and Justin Taylor (District 5).
Dana Ford held the Bible on which her husband Thomas took his oath administered by Judge Foster to uphold all federal, state and local laws upon assuming office. Following the brief ceremony Carrie Ford Cahill, Thomas’ sister, addressed the assemblage to express her pride and confidence in her brother. Thomas Ford also briefly addressed the audience, thanking them for support.
Sarah Bell held the Bible for her husband’s swearing in ceremony, during which Judge Poole administered the oath of office. Both Aaron Bell and his wife Sarah offered remarks to the audience following the administration of the oath. They thanked family and supporters for help in Bell’s successful campaign.
The new commissioners invited ceremony attendees to receptions that immediately followed their taking office.
Congratulations to Thomas Ford and Aaron Bell – public service is a noble and difficult task to undertake that requires great sacrifice from the office holder and their family members. We should all support them as they seek to help our county reach its full potential. With the aging population and the growing challenges facing the county safety net system for the most vulnerable the county commissioner have a limited constitutional duty, but the first word in that duty deal with the “health” of its citizens.